Misinformation surrounding the eclipse shows us the importance of empowering students to find their influencers
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
This past Monday, tens of millions of people across North America witnessed a total or partial solar eclipse. The celestial event was a harmless product of chance, but its rarity and awe-inspiring, mystical effects led to conspiracy theories as people searched for deeper explanations. A couple of these theories included that the eclipse would mark the end of the world and that it was suspicious that the paths between the 2017 and 2024 eclipse paths made an “X” meeting at a state park where there were supposed Bigfoot sightings. These conspiracies are especially popular among students; in fact, in a recent survey, 60% of 13 to 17-year-olds agreed with four or more conspiracy theories compared to 49% of adults. The eclipse has come and gone, so we know these theories have little basis.
While social media platforms are powerful tools for connecting people and sharing information, they can also be used to spread misinformation, like conspiracy theories, showing us the importance of empowering students to follow positive influencers that spread reliable and factual information. Conspiracies can now reach millions worldwide in seconds on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While misinformation about the solar eclipse did little but scare some people, it can create real-world challenges. For example, a conspiracy theory that the wildfires in Maui last August were set on purpose by the US government lowered some people’s trust in their leaders.
Social media influencers influence how popular conspiracies spread and why they interest students. 2-in-3 students follow influencers, compared to 29% of adults, and many influencers spread misinformation. Influencers may see misinformation as a profit opportunity. An example is when some social media influencers share false information about COVID-19 vaccinations to encourage their followers to use affiliate marketing links for essential oils or other at-home sickness cures. Other influencers might share conspiracies because they believe in them and feel responsible for sharing their truth with others. This was the case with Australian actress Isabel Lucas, who became anti-vaccination after watching videos with misinformation that led her to believe her immune system could naturally fight back any illness.
No matter the reason influencers share misinformation, when students believe in conspiracies because their favorite influencers do, this can lead to real-world challenges. Empowering students to navigate conspiracies comes down to finding influencers committed to telling the truth. Why is it important to fight against misinformation, and how can educators empower students to fill their feeds with facts, not fiction? Let’s dive in.
How misinformation spreads online and its consequences
Why are students drawn to online conspiracies? Essentially, conspiracies fill our need to fit in and belong to a group. It connects us to a small group of people who share the same belief, creating an “us versus them” mindset. Since conspiracies can be so compelling, they can rack up millions of views on apps like TikTok. As conspiracy theories gain views, they often start to grow exponentially. This comes back to the idea of repetition as validation. When millions of people view and share misinformation online, we’re more likely to believe it and share it with our own followers. Since nearly half of students believe what they see on social media and are spending an average of 4.8 hours a day on social platforms, it makes sense that they are especially drawn to misinformation online.
Misinformation and conspiracy theories can have real-world consequences for students, like discouraging students from participating in politics and using their mic for good on topics they are passionate about. Students recognize this but are often swamped with competing information, making it hard to tell what is and isn’t real. They also may find it hard to accept that their favorite influencers, whom they see as authentic and reliable, might be spreading false information.
Influencers sharing positive, truthful information on social media can uplift students and inspire them to take positive action. Take Kate Speer, an influencer who built her following by having honest, science-backed conversations about well-being on TikTok. When she encouraged her followers to back a law banning the sale of over-the-counter weight loss supplements to people under 18, many took action, and the bill became law. Educators can empower students to contribute positively to their communities rather than buying into conspiracy theories and misinformation by giving them the tools and motivation to find influencers who share truthful information.
How to empower students to find their influencers and steer clear of misinformation
Like any new trend or fad, misinformation, and conspiracy theories spread rapidly on social media, but when students don’t have the tools to look out for inaccurate information, it can pose challenges to people and school communities. Educators can empower students by helping them tell what’s true and encouraging them to follow influencers who share trustworthy content. These positive influencers can help students learn more about causes they care about; share science-backed insights on well-being that empower students to be the best versions of themselves, and more.
Here are our top tips for empowering students to find their influencers and fill their social media with reliable information:
- Remind students to check their sources. When students write papers, they always share where they get their information. Influencers should do the same — not citing sources is a red flag that the content might be unreliable or misleading.
- Encourage cross-referencing. Usually, more than one reputable source will verify factual information. Cross-referencing can help students verify the accuracy of information they come across online and make sure they can trust the content their favorite influencers share.
- Promote “playing the algorithm.” When students signal to a social media platform that they like certain content, they’ll see more of it on their feeds. Encourage students to engage with influencers sharing well-backed information by liking, sharing, commenting, or looking at their posts more.
Social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, are among the biggest ways that today’s students learn about the world. Educators can guide them toward reputable information by empowering them to find and follow influencers who share accurate, reliable content. For more strategies students can use to double-check what they see online, visit our lesson Vetting videos, posts, and articles we find online to make sure they’re real.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
What strategies do you think would be most effective in helping us identify and follow influencers who share accurate, factual content? Let’s share out!
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.